Chris Crutcher, winner of numerous writing awards, including the Intellectual Freedom Award from the National Coalition Against Censorship and New York Times bestselling author Lauren Myracle will be speaking to us virtually in the AETZone.

Chris Crutcher, one of the most frequently banned authors in North America - a fact he considers an accomplishment, rather than a drawback - is the author of fourteen books -- eleven novels, including his latest PERIOD 8, two short story collections and an autobiography. Prior to his work as an author, he taught school in Washington and California and was acting director of an Oakland alternative school for nearly a decade. That academic history, coupled with 25 years as a child and family therapist specializing in abuse and neglect and 30 years as a Spokane Child Protection Team leader, has infused his literary work with realism and emotional heft. His signature blend of tragedy and comedy has made him a favorite with teen and adult readers.

Lauren Myracle, one of the most challenged authors in 2009 and 2011, is the author of many young-adult novels including ttyl, ttfn and Shine all New York Times bestsellers. Myracle was born in Brevard, NC and grew up in Atlanta, GA. She earned a BA in English and Psychology from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. Later she earned an MA in English from Colorado State University, where she taught for two years, and an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College. A portion of the proceeds of the book sales from her latest novel Shine benefits the Matthew Shepard Foundation.